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Izakaya MEW

Japanese Restaurant and Sake Bar$$$$

Koreatown, New York

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Izakaya MEW

8.7^/10

1,418

ratings

Ranked #10 for kimchi in New York
This Japanese restaurant is famous for their sushi. It's one of the most popular in the city!
"Kalbi short ribs, omu soba very good and food comes out fast"(10 Tips)
"Mentai spaghetti."(5 Tips)
"Kimchi cream udon and Kara-age (fried chicken) are both excellent."(16 Tips)
"Mew Special roll is delicious!"(4 Tips)

248 Tips and reviews

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Japanese food
trendy
casual
healthy food
good for dates
good for groups
happy hour
mew special roll
bar
good for a quick meal
cute
great value
teriyaki
short ribs
spicy food
crowded
gyoza
chicken
pork
desserts
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Earl Belcher JrApril 24, 2015
It's in the BASEMENT, entrance to your left if facing Han Bat, which shares the same address. Crowded. Long waits. Quaint. Excellent, prompt service. Big menu. Nice selection of beers, sake, cocktails
olivier PEYRESeptember 11, 2014
Cute oasis in a midtown basement. Industrial/raw look. The lunch options are all around $10 and are delicious (salmon teriyaki, katzu curry). $20 happy hour sushi set.
Bin YangMarch 27, 2016
Lunch is a good deal, $10 for a dish, rice, pickles and soup! The Saba Shioyaki is my go to. If you want a bowl, get the eel bowl. The natto here is solid if you're into that.
EvoMay 2, 2016
Best sushi I had so far. It is easy to miss the entrance. But really worth looking for it.
Elena D.September 27, 2018
One of the best sushi I’ve ever eaten,great!The place isn’t very large, but it’s very nice and typical, and even if the line could be long it’s worth it!You have to try it, absolutely!
Anastasiia ....October 15, 2017
Ramen would not be the first choice for this place. Kimchi udon was very good as well as short rib. The crab balls was very creamy inside. But i still love this place and will be back for sure!
Kay PuthaaroonFebruary 27, 2014
Omu soba, steak/asparagus, tofu avocado salad, crabcake, takoyaki, mentai spaghetti, garlic rice, mackerel. All delish, but my favs were 1st 4. HH 5:30-7p M-Sat $3 beer/$4 wine/$5-7 mixed drinks
Duygu BasaranOctober 29, 2014
Katsu Don with chicken was super tasty. I devoured it fast. Cool atmosphere. You would not know it existed unless someone takes you. Also reasonable prices. Glad my friend brought me here.
RisaJune 10, 2014
Takoyaki (deep fried octopus balls) are somehow simultaneously tender, smooth, AND crunchy. Creamy kimchi noodles are an off-menu must have--they were gone before I could get a pic! Cute space too!!
Kathy LiuMay 25, 2018
Kimchi cream udon and Kara-age (fried chicken) are both excellent. Get here as it opens since it gets crowded fast!
Alvaro P.July 25, 2018
The chikaten sushi was amazing!! If you come for lunch make sure you come early or the place will be packed. Hidden gem in between other Korean places so make sure you are entering the right one!
Justin ChoyNovember 9, 2015
Been here 5+ times
One of my favorite spots in nyc for a quick bite to eat and amazing happy hour deals. Get there by 5:30 cause when they open at 6 it's full!
Nitzan BJuly 29, 2017
Can't go just once, need to try everything! Sushi was great, all the small plates were so delicious and the ice cream churros was amazing!
Polina WeitzJune 4, 2023
Huge variety of small plates, creative cocktails (the kiwi was awesome!), and efficient service. The acoustics is an issue, it gets loud making it hard to have a conversation. Overall - great spot!
Myrosia PabyrivskaNovember 5, 2018
Very friendly stuff . We waited for 30 min to be seated but it was definitely worth it ! Food is delicious! We were served with first meals in 5 min !
Shirley LuSeptember 3, 2013
Freakin amazing katsudon, best I ever had. Unlike any other typical Japanese restaurant. I swear they put something in the rice! And super affordable too with a cool vibe.
Jennifer OrrJanuary 29, 2018
Everything we ordered was really tasty and flavorful, from the kiwi cocktail to the kimchi creamy udon, tuna tataki, corn skewer and sushi rolls. Would definitely return and try more!
Lucy MariaDecember 20, 2017
Love that this place is hidden! Inexpensive, great food & service! Limited drink selection, but not sure if that’s just because I went during lunch time. Place gets crowded so you sit elbow to elbow.
Yongjoo MoonOctober 19, 2018
Been here 5+ times
All the food is amazing! The udon is superb and the yakitori is top notch!!
Summer IzkovichAugust 21, 2014
No sushi during lunch till next month 😔 and make sure you bring cash because it's cash only during lunch! Love the atmosphere, such a cute little Japanese place! The servers are cute and nice!
winDecember 9, 2014
Delicious soba noodles wrapped in egg, and the natto kimchi were fantastic. The tuna in ponzu sauce was fresh, but the portion was a little small. The chicken donburi bowl was lacking in flavor.
John OutwaterFebruary 1, 2015
This place is very authentic and modern. Really nice atmosphere complemented by friendly Japanese staff. Everything is great here. Get the salmon avo roll!
Hannah HanNovember 8, 2014
A cozy new izakaya in midtown. Decent Japanese tapas dishes- had tako kara, tako yaki, beef ramen, odeng soup. Food is not exceptionally amazing, but good place for bites over drinks w good company!
Michel Karl GhoussoubAugust 22, 2014
Great place, great music, good service and excellent food. Notable value too!! Be sure to pass between 6-7pm for the happy hour sushi set.
Stephanie WeiJanuary 14, 2017
The Niku udon is soooooo good! If you're a fan of gyudon, I feel like you'd like this version with noodles and soup instead!
Parinitha MarnekarJune 9, 2016
Loved Loved Loved the food here. The best Deep Fried Octopus and Ramen. Its a bit noisy since the tables are a bit too close together. But the food makes up for the noise.
Adela MouDecember 19, 2014
Good value at lunch time, but come before 1230 to beat the rush. Cash only for lunch!
Mark BramhillJune 30, 2016
The rice bowls here are stellar. Lots of food, miso soup, and only $9! Fast service, too. A must-try in the area.
Ranu RajkarnikarApril 9, 2015
Yummy! Head to the basement and order takoyaki, sushi, age tofu, and mochi for dessert. Reasonably priced drinks and happy hour 530-7 and after 11 PM!
Daniel JenkinsMay 20, 2018
Cool, hip underground restaurant. Service was fast and friendly. Food amazing. Udon noodles did not disappoint! Highly recommend!
Natalie KNovember 15, 2015
Amazing food, good value. Definitely come with a group for 3+ to try out a bunch of different dishes family style
Norman EllisSeptember 13, 2014
Fun space. It's a loud room so don't come here for an intimate meal. Come here to eat and hang! 2 bottles of Sake and food for 3 hungry folk cost us 125.00 with tip. Money well spent!
Earl Belcher JrApril 24, 2015
Worth the wait. Decent prices. Quality food. Beautiful people. Exceptional food. My order in photo; each item simply excellent.
Lauren MacJuly 31, 2015
Adorable underground Japanese spot with a wide selection of options (sushi, ramen, teriyaki, etc.) and FAST service. Apparently it's a jazz club too?? Ssshh don't spoil the secret.
BaturalpMarch 17, 2019
Been here 5+ times
You can use Yelp to join the waitlist and see your live wait time without showing up at the restaurant. Friday-Saturday evenings have 60-90 mins wait so plan accordingly.
Sam HOctober 22, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Start the night off with a Sapporo during happy hour (ends at 7) and then black sesame chicken, okonomi yaki, kakuni (simmered pork belly), and shoyu ramen.
JustinOctober 8, 2015
Buzzy & friendly, you'll probably have to wait but the food is well worth it - delicious! Raspberry Dream cocktail is fabulous
Sally LaitDecember 13, 2015
Noisy, popular little basement restaurant with a great atmosphere very reminiscent of Japan. Large, affordable menu, and great drinks choices including frozen Kirin.
Jurgen CastroFebruary 15, 2014
Been here 5+ times
They don't take reservations after 6:30pm, but if you don't want to have an early dinner it's definitely worth the wait. Trust me, I've waited 90 minutes before. No regrets.
Michelle CSeptember 25, 2016
The (pleasantly sweet) white peach makgoli and the (very light) frozen beer are fantastic drink options!
Cecilia TowJuly 15, 2015
I like this place for the sheer variety of food. My bf wanted sushi and i wanted marinated meats. He's a sushi snob and said the sushi was pretty decent.
Vanessa LontocSeptember 5, 2021
Been here 25+ times
Lunch specials! This is the time there’s barely a wait. Dinner and late night, be prepared to wait an hour easily.
Joyce ChongJanuary 12, 2015
Been here 50+ times
Awesome lunch spot. Tuna Tartare Don is the way to go. Served with a generous portion of avocado and spicy mayo. Lunch is cash only tho!
Zara FarrarNovember 2, 2014
Really nice Japanese restaurant, easy to miss as it's just a door on the street, you have to go down a flight of stairs to get to the restaurant itself.
Chris GampatAugust 27, 2017
Their gyoza and fried chicken are some of the best things. But also try the sashimi salad. It's odd because they still cook the fish a bit.
Daouna JeongJanuary 2, 2015
A hidden gem near k-town. Cash only during lunch time.
Nir BanchikJuly 29, 2017
Amazing Japanese style restaurant,great atmosphere,good food with good selection of sake. The prices are not bad for serving size. Beautiful place.
Ruby AnayaNovember 7, 2015
$2 beers mini beers! Cash only for lunch - the salad is yummy and very filling.
Jessica M.January 14, 2017
Hidden gem in a part of town worth hiding from. Excellent lunch specials - sushi, ramen, udon, teriyaki bowls. Can't go wrong.
Julie JulesJanuary 24, 2015
Been here 5+ times
EVERYthing is delicious here! my faves include the squid uni, tender fried chicken bits and uni pasta.😁 Endless selection of delicious tapas!

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